Season preview - Collingwood

*Disclosure time again.  Born and bred Magpie writing this

Essential Information:

Coach: Nathan Buckley (1^st season)

2011 season: Runners up, 20 wins, 2 losses

Player changes

In: Martin Clarke, Jamie Elliott, Corey Gault, Jackson Paine, Jarrod Witts, Peter Yagmoor

Out: Leigh Brown, Leon Davis, Brad Dick, John McCarthy

Players to watch

Martin Clarke: After two years back in Ireland the prodigal son returns, sliding into the role vacated by Leon Davis. Unconventional and risk-taking, this move by the club could work brilliantly, or end up with them looking quite silly.

Alex Fasolo: Not only has he given up the famous No. 35 jumper in favour of the No. 1 last worn by the flamboyant Davis, rumour has it he's dubbed himself the 'Prince of Perth.' Second year player with a lot of (self-imposed) weight on his shoulders.

Questions to ask Collingwood supporters:

• How do you reckon Buckley will go as coach?
• What's better, beating Essendon or Carlton?

Questions not to ask:

• How good is Chris Judd?
• You always get such favourable draws, shouldn't you always do well?

Prediction: Collingwood were the best team in the competition last season, except when it mattered. There is no reason why they can't be again. However, the Magpies depth is questionable given the large turnover of players during the last few years and there is already a worrying injury list that can't afford to get much bigger. Neutral fans (if such a thing exists) would like to see a more exciting and aesthetically pleasing game style from Collingwood, who play the game in a somewhat mechanical manner, however given Buckley's almost infamous attention to detail and desire for perfection, this seems unlikely. Top three.